Apparatus for storage and transport of athletic mats

ABSTRACT

An all in one system for storing, protecting and transporting athletic mats, includes at least one mat capsule, having a mat wrap defining a longitudinal axis and opposed first and second longitudinal ends, the mat wrap configured for accommodating an athletic mat in a rolled condition, a capsule base adjacent the first longitudinal end of the main capsule segment and a capsule cap releasably coupled to the second longitudinal end of the main capsule segment.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and all in one systemfor storage, protection, and transporting of athletic mats including,but not limited to, wrestling mats, gymnastic mats and cheerleadingmatters.

The storage of large athletic mats presents issues due to the size ofthe mats, the potential for damage due to vandalism, dragging, forkliftsand other moving equipment, or direct exposure to the environment andthe large area of space these mats occupy in an athletic facility whenstored in a horizontal position.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus andsystem which addresses the aforementioned concerns through the provisionof a mat capsule system which is specifically adapted to store, protectand transport mats or any athletic surface including artificial turf orthe like.

The mat capsule system provides the following features:

-   -   The mat capsule is designed to store, protect and easily        transport rolled up athletic surfaces such as wrestling, martial        arts, cheerleading and gymnastics mats. Nothing else on the        market does all these things.    -   Made of lightweight, high impact resin material for easy        handling and durability    -   The assembled mat capsule on wheels makes a heavy mat easily        transported by virtually anyone.    -   Built in “quick connect” hooks allow the capsules to adjoin to        move one capsule or multiple interconnected capsules together.    -   material and construction makes the capsule weather resistant    -   labeling system included to identify rolled up mats and sets    -   incorporates a “Mat Wrapper” for enclosing the mat prior to        positioning within the mat capsule, which is made of a high        impact, flexible resin that protects the mat from damaged due to        transport, door latches, and damage during storage.    -   The mat wrapper uses a hook and loop (VELCRO) system to make it        adjustable to different rolled up mat diameters although other        fastener systems are also contemplated.    -   The mat Wrapper has plastic strips sewn in along the 2 vertical        edges for structural support when wrapped around a mat section,        and also to form an air tight seal when enclosed.    -   The mat wrapper alleviates the need for mat straps, which        frequently break and get lost/stolen    -   The mat capsule “cap” is the only product designed to protect        tapeless mat connect systems (the step in the cap which protects        the coiled up flap at the top of a mat with the VELCRO system)    -   The cap is a water and chemical proof lid that protects damage        from sprinklers or foreign matter stored above the mats, and        from damage due equipment being stacked on top of stored mats.    -   The straps that loop through the base and cap on 2 or 4 sides of        the capsule hold the assembly together and also serve as a        handle to wheel the capsules.

The mat capsule is a modular system that can be useful as a complete setor just its parts. (the cap to protect the VELCRO flap, the wrapper toprotect the roll and replace straps, the base to roll the mats on)

-   -   The mat capsule base is:        -   Water and chemical proof up to 7 inches deep to protect from            flooding        -   Non-marking wheels to keep from damaging gym floors        -   4 locking wheels to allow for easy loading of mats into the            base and storage without rolling.

An effective stand-alone product for easy storage and moving mats.

-   -   Prolongs the life of mats by shielding them from weather and        preventing physical damage.

The capsule will be packed to ship and store as 14 stacked pieces high,one piece nesting into the one below it (7 base pieces. 7 cap pieces)and 7 mat wrappers wrapped around the stack, efficiently shipping andstoring the 7 capsule assemblies in a package equal in size to one matroll. More or less than 14 stacked pieces are also contemplated.

-   -   Protects mat from contact with airborne debris and can be made        airtight to keep out airborne pathogens and provide an air tight        chamber to seal in disinfecting agents. Skin borne diseases        acquired from bacteria and fungus on mats is a big issue in all        combat sports.    -   Multiple models will be produced in different sizes to        accommodate different products.    -   Sleek design is available in multiple colors on all components        for fit with customer school colors, with the option of printing        school letters and logos on all components.    -   Whole assembly or cart allows heavy, clumsy apparatus to roll        easily across rough ground that is difficult to navigate even        with hand trucks or dollies.

In one exemplary embodiment, a system for storing athletic mats,includes at least one mat capsule having a mat wrap defining alongitudinal axis and opposed first and second longitudinal ends, andconfigured for accommodating an athletic mat in a rolled condition, acapsule base adjacent the first longitudinal end of the main capsulesegment and a capsule cap releasably coupled to the second longitudinalend of the main capsule segment.

In embodiments, the mat wrap is configured to be wrapped about theathletic mat when in the rolled condition thereof to enclose theathletic mat. In some embodiments, the mat wrap includes at least oneattachment member to secure the mat wrap about the athletic mat when inthe rolled condition thereof. In certain embodiments, the mat wrapincludes a hook and loop fastener associated with ends of the mat wrap.In some embodiments, a plurality of the hoop and loop fasteners orfastener straps is provided.

In some embodiments, the system includes first and second capsules. Incertain embodiments, the first and second capsules include cooperativestructure to releasably couple the first and second capsules to eachother. In embodiments, the cooperative structure includes hooks disposedon the capsule base of each of the first and second capsules, the hooksconfigured to selectively couple to each other.

In some embodiments, at least one roller is mounted to the capsule basefor facilitating maneuverability of the at least one capsule along afloor.

In some embodiments, the capsule base is releasably coupled to the firstlongitudinal end of the main capsule segment. In certain embodiments, astrap is couplable to the capsule cap and the capsule base, and extendsalone the mat wrap. The strap is configured to maintain the capsule capand the capsule base coupled relative to the mat wrap and the mat, andfurther being configured for engagement by a user to facilitatemanipulation of the at least one capsule along a floor.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for storing an athletic matincludes rolling an athletic mat upon itself to assume a generalcylindrical rolled configuration, positioning one longitudinal end ofthe athletic mat into a capsule base, wrapping a mat wrap about theathletic mat, positioning a capsule cap onto an opposed longitudinal endof the athletic mat and securing at least one strap between the capsulebase and the capsule cap to secure the mat wrap relative to the athleticmat.

In certain embodiments, the method includes rolling a second athleticmat upon itself to assume a general cylindrical rolled configuration,positioning one longitudinal end of the second athletic mat into asecond capsule base, wrapping a second mat wrap about the secondathletic mat, positioning a second capsule cap onto an opposedlongitudinal end of the second athletic mat, securing at least one strapbetween the second capsule base and the second capsule cap to secure thesecond mat wrap relative to the second athletic mat and coupling thefirst and second capsule bases to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical staplinginstrument are described herein below with reference to the drawings,wherein:

FIGS. 1-2 are views illustrating two mat sections and associatedcoupling systems to be stored by the mat capsule system of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3C are side plan views of a mat capsule of the system forstoring at least one mat section of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mat capsule of FIGS. 3A-3Cillustrating the mat wrap, the capsule base and the capsule cap;

FIG. 4A is a sectional illustrating mounting of the rollers to thecapsule base;

FIG. 4B is a partial side elevation illustrating the capsule base,rollers and hooks;

FIG. 5A is a plan view of an exemplary mat wrap in an unrolled flatconfiguration;

FIG. 5B is a plan view another exemplary mat wrap in an unrolledconfiguration;

FIGS. 6-7 are top and bottom perspective views respectively of thecapsule base of the mat capsule;

FIGS. 8-9 are bottom plan and side views respectively of the capsulebase;

FIGS. 10-11 are top and bottom perspective views respectively of thecapsule cap of the mat capsule;

FIGS. 12-13 are bottom plan and side views respectively of the capsulecap;

FIG. 14 is on exemplary methodology of rolling a mat section forplacement relative to the mat capsule;

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating the mat section positioned on the capsulebase and the mat wrap at least partially positioned about the matsection;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating the VELCRO flap secured inspaced relation relative to the capsule cap;

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the mat capsule secured about the matsection; and

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary use of the mat capsulesystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Athletic mats including wrestling and gymnastic mats require storagewhen not in use. A typical method for securing said mats is to roll themat upon itself and position the rolled mat in either a horizontal orvertical orientation against a wall. Unfortunately, this method ofstoring mats exposes the mats for physical damage or air bornecontaminants.

FIGS. 1-2 disclose a typical mat system used in, e.g., a wrestlingevent. Generally speaking, a wrestling mat system includes multiple matsections 1000, 2000 (e.g., seven) coupled together to define a singlemat unit upon which the wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading or similarevent is held. One system includes an attachment mechanism in the formof a VELCRO flap (hook or loop side) 1002 which extends from an edge ofthe mat 1000 and is connectable to a skive section 2002 of an adjacentmat 2000 incorporating VELCRO (hook or loop side) to couple the matsections 1000, 2000 together as depicted in FIG. 2. It is noted thateach mat section 1000, 2000 may include a VELCRO flap on one side and askive section on the opposed side. Once the mat is used at the event,the mat sections 1000, 2000 are released relative to one another to bestored in the manner described herein. Unfortunately, with theaforedescribed mat system, not only is the mat exposed for physicaldamage and airborne contaminants, the VELCRO flap 1002 and skive section2002 are exposed and also subjected to damage, which may potentiallydegrade the attachment mechanism to a point where the mat system is notusable. The present disclosure overcomes these disadvantages.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-5A, a novel system for storing athletic mats1000, 2000 which overcomes the disadvantages of mat storage isdisclosed. The system 10 includes at least one mat capsule 100 having amat wrap 102 defining a longitudinal axis “k” with opposed first andsecond longitudinal ends 104, 106 and opposed side edges 108, 110 (FIGS.4 and 5A). The mat wrap 102 is a flexible planar member and isconfigured for positioning about athletic mat sections 1000, 2000 in arolled condition. In embodiments, the mat wrap 102 is fabricated of aflexible resin material which is resistant to high impact. The mat wrap102 protects the enclosed mat sections 1000, 2000 from damage due totransport, door latches, etc., and/or incidental damage during storage.

As best depicted in FIG. 5A, the mat wrap 102 includes an attachmentmechanism adjacent the side edges 108, 110 to secure the mat wrap 102about either of the rolled mat sections 1000, 2000. The attachmentsmechanism may include at least one VELCRO strip(s) 112 adjacent the sideedge 108 and a plurality of associated VELCRO strips 114 adjacent theside edge 110 (e.g., hook and loop fasteners). The attachment mechanismsecures the mat wrap 102 about either mat section 1000, 2000 in therolled condition. Other attachment mechanisms are also envisionedincluding plastic straps and buckles secured adjacent respective sideedges 108, 110 to secure the side edges 108, 110 relative to each otherand around either mat section 1000, 2000. For example, with reference toFIG. 5B, the mat wrap may include plastic strips 109 running adjacentopposed side edges 108, 110 to which buckles 111 aid straps 113 areattached. The buckles 111 and straps 113 couple with each other tosecure the mat wrap 102 in a secured rolled positon about either matsection 1000, 2000. The plastic straps 109 provide rigidity to the matwrap 102 and also ensure the mat wrap 102 is airtight upon secure of thebuckles and straps. Any conventional buckle/strap arrangement may beutilized.

As best depicted in FIGS. 7-9, in conjunction with FIGS. 3-4B, the matcapsule 100 further includes a capsule base 116 for receiving the firstlongitudinal end 104 of the rolled mat wrap 102 and either mat section1000, 2000. The capsule base 116 is dimensioned to receive the firstlongitudinal end 104 of the mat wrap 102 enclosing either rolled matsection 1000, 2000 and storing or supporting same in a verticalorientation. The capsule base 116 may include rollers 118 which may bereleasably lockable to facilitate loading and storage of the mat capsule100. Alternatively, the rollers 118 may be freely rotatable. Theperipheral edge 120 of the capsule base 116 may include at least onestrap slot 122 (FIG. 9) to receive a strap as will be discussed hereinbelow. In embodiments, the capsule base 116 may include more eye-hooks,clasps or locks 124 (FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4B) to secure adjacent matcapsules 100 to each other to facilitate storage (e.g., secured to acapsule base 116 of another mat capsule 100). The capsule base 116 maybe formed of a rigid polymer or metal.

As shown in FIG. 6, the interior of the capsule base 116 may include twoor more reinforcing ribs 126 which provide support to the capsule base116 and also may secure the rollers 118 relative to the capsule base 116through conventional methodologies. Alternatively, the support ribs 126may be replaced with a support plate of rigid material such as a rigidpolymer or stainless steel. The peripheral edge 120 defines a height ordepth “d1” (FIG. 9) to provide sufficient depth for reception of thefirst longitudinal end 104 of the mat wrap 102 to support the mat wrap102 and the rolled mat section 1000, 2000 in a vertical orientation. Inembodiments, the depth may range from about 3-7 inches, e.g., about 5inches, although other dimensions are envisioned.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13, in conjunction with FIGS. 3-4B, the matcapsule 100 further includes a capsule cap 128. The capsule cap 128 isconfigured for positioning about the second longitudinal end 106 of therolled mat wrap 102 and either mat section 1000, 2000. In embodimentsand as best depicted in FIG. 10, the capsule cap 128 includes aperipheral edge 130, an internal ledge 132 disposed radial inward of theperipheral edge 130 and an internal chamber 134. The internal ledge 132defines an inner dimension “12” which may range from about 1 to 1.5inches, e.g., 1.25 inches, although other dimensions are envisioned aswell. The internal chamber 134 defines a depth “c1” which may range fromabout 2.25 inches to about 2.75 inches, e.g., 2.5 inches, although otherdimensions are envisioned. The depth “c1” of the internal chamber 134 isselected to, e.g., accommodate the VELCRO flap 1002 extending from themat section 1000 as will be discussed herein below. The peripheral edge130 may include at least one or more strap opening(s) 136 to receive thestraps to be extended between the capsule base 116 and the capsule cap128.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, and 4, the mat capsule 100 includesstraps 138 which are passed through corresponding slots 122, 136 of thecapsule base 116 and the capsule cap 128 to secure the componentstogether. The straps 138 may optionally be provided with hooks 142(FIGS. 3B-3C) on each end which engage the slots 122, 136 of the capsulebase 116 and the capsule cap 128. The straps 138 each may include abuckle or belt 140 to facilitate tightening of the straps 138. Thestraps 138 may be utilized to be held by the operator to maneuver themat capsule 100 along the work floor. When tightened, the straps 138completely seal the mat wrap 102 within the capsule base 116 and thecapsule cap 128. In this condition, the mat capsule 100 provides an airtight enclosure protecting the mat section from damage and airbornecontaminants.

The use of the mat capsule 100 will now be discussed. By way of examplein use of the system for storing athletic mats, e.g., wrestling mats,and with initial reference to FIG. 14, the mat section 1000 is rolledupon itself with the VELCRO flap 1002 being spaced from the work floor,i.e., the side of the mat section opposing the VELCRO flap 1002 is incontact with the work floor. The mat section 1000 is completely rolledupon itself from a cylindrical configuration. The end of the mat section1000 opposing the VELCRO flap (e.g., with the skive section 2002) ispositioned within the capsule base 116 to assume a vertical orientationof the rolled mat section 1000. The mat wrap 102 is positioned orwrapped about the rolled mat 1000 as depicted in FIG. 15. It is notedthat the capsule base 116 defines an internal chamber sufficient toaccommodate the rolled mat section 1000 and the mat wrap 102. The matwrap 102 is secured upon itself with the use of the VELCRO straps orother fastening means to completely enclose the rolled mat section 1000.The capsule cap 128 is then positioned on the top of the rolled mat 1000and the mat wrap 102 in opposition to the capsule base 116. As notedabove and best depicted in the sectional view of FIG. 16, the internalchamber 134 of the capsule cap 128 is dimensioned to receive the VELCROflap 1002 extending from the edge of the rolled mat 1000. It is notedthat in the aforedescribed method of rolling the mat section 1000, theVELCRO flap 1002 will be on the inside of the rolled mat section 1000thereby positioning the VELCRO flap 1002 entirely within the internalchamber 134 confined within the internal ledge 132 of the capsule cap128. For example, the internal chamber 134 defines a depth “c1” which isgreater than the extension of the VELCRO flaps 1002 from the edge of themat section 1000. With this arrangement, the VELCRO flap 1002 is notcompressed or bent in any direction which will advantageously preservethe integrity of the VELCRO flap 1002 and thus preserve the integrity ofthe mat attachment mechanism described hereinabove. In embodiments, theinternal chamber has a depth of 2.5 inches while the VELCRO flap of themat section extends for 2 inches. In addition, the underlying rubbersection 1004 of the mat section 1000 which is disposed radial outward ofthe VELCRO flap 1002 engages the internal edge 132 such that the matsection cannot collapse whereby the VELCRO flap 1002 contacts componentsof the capsule cap 128 thus further preserving the integrity of theVELCRO flap 1002. The straps 138 may be coupled to the respective slots122, 136 of the capsule base 116 and the capsule cap 128 to secure thecomponents in air tight relation therewith as shown in FIG. 17. Othermat sections 1000, 2000 may be rolled and contained within a mat capsule100 in a similar manner. The mat capsules 100 may be coupled to eachother via the hooks or clasps 124 of the capsule base 116. It isenvisioned that the mat sections 1000, 2000 forming the athletic mat maybe coupled to each other for easy storage and to be readily identifiedas a set for forming the athletic mat. The mat capsules 100 may bemaneuvered via the straps 138 and stored in select locations within thefacility.

It is further envisioned that the mat wrap 102, the capsule base 116 orthe capsule cap 128 may be utilized individually, e.g., as stand-aloneunits, without the other components of the system.

FIG. 18 illustrates a method of use of the system. The method (500) mayincludes one or more of the steps of including rolling an athletic mat1000, 2000 upon itself to assume a general cylindrical rolledconfiguration (Step 502), positioning one longitudinal end 1004 of theathletic mat into a capsule base 116 (Step 504), wrapping a mat wrap 102about the athletic mat 1000 (Step 506), positioning a capsule cap 128onto an opposed longitudinal end 1006 of the athletic mat (Step 508) andsecuring at least one strap 138 between the capsule base 116 and thecapsule cap 128 to secure the mat wrap 102 relative to the athletic mat(510). The method may be repeated (Step 512) for a second athletic matand mat capsule, and the capsule bases may be coupled to each other(Step 514). The method may further include maneuvering the coupled matcapsules to a desired location (Step 516). The method may furtherinclude the step of coupling a plurality of mat sections forming anathletic mat to each other via the hooks 124 of the capsule base 116(Step 518) to facilitate storage, transport and identification of theathletic mat.

While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described withreference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and changes in form anddetail may be made therein without departing from the scope and spiritof the invention. Accordingly, the above description should not beconstrued as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferredembodiments. Thus, modifications such as those suggested above, but notlimited thereto, are to be considered within the scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An all in one system for storing, protecting andtransporting athletic mats, which comprises: at least one mat capsule,including: a mat wrap defining a longitudinal axis and opposed first andsecond longitudinal ends, the mat wrap configured for accommodating anathletic mat in a rolled condition; a capsule base adjacent the firstlongitudinal end of the main capsule segment; and a capsule capreleasably coupled to the second longitudinal end of the main capsulesegment.
 2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the mat wrap isconfigured to be wrapped about the athletic mat when in the rolledcondition thereof to enclose the athletic mat.
 3. The system accordingto claim 2 wherein the mat wrap includes at least one attachment memberto secure the mat wrap about the athletic mat when in the rolledcondition thereof.
 4. The system according to claim 3 wherein the matwrap includes a hook and loop fastener associated with ends of the matwrap.
 5. The system according to claim 4 including a plurality of thehoop and loop fasteners.
 6. The system according to claim 1 includingfirst and second capsules.
 7. The system according to claim 6 whereinthe first and second capsules include cooperative structure toreleasably couple the first and second capsules to each other.
 8. Thesystem according to claim 7 wherein the cooperative structure includeshooks disposed on the capsule base of each of the first and secondcapsules, the hooks configured to selectively couple to each other. 9.The system according to claim 1 including at least one roller mounted tothe capsule base for facilitating maneuverability of the at least onecapsule along a floor.
 10. The system according to claim 1 wherein thecapsule base is releasably coupled to the first longitudinal end of themain capsule segment.
 11. The system according to claim 10 including astrap couplable to the capsule cap and the capsule base, and extendingalong the mat wrap, the strap configured to maintain the capsule cap andthe capsule base coupled relative to the mat wrap and the mat, andfurther being configured for engagement by a user to facilitatemanipulation of the at least one capsule along a floor.
 12. A method forstoring an athletic mat comprising; rolling an athletic mat upon itselfto assume a general cylindrical rolled configuration; positioning onelongitudinal end of the athletic mat into a capsule base; wrapping a matwrap about the athletic mat; positioning a capsule cap onto an opposedlongitudinal end of the athletic mat; and securing straps between thecapsule base and the capsule cap to secure the mat wrap relative to theathletic mat.
 13. The method according to claim 12 including rolling asecond athletic mat upon itself to assume a general cylindrical rolledconfiguration; positioning one longitudinal end of the second athleticmat into a second capsule base; wrapping a second mat wrap about thesecond athletic mat; positioning a second capsule cap onto an opposedlongitudinal end of the second athletic mat; securing straps between thesecond capsule base and the second capsule cap to secure the second matwrap relative to the second athletic mat; and coupling the first andsecond capsule bases to each other.